April Designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Cleveland - Resources Listed

Mar 07, 2025

Cleveland City Council approved legislation declaring April 2025 Child Abuse Prevention Month. Below are resources for residents.

Every year, Cuyahoga County receives over 20,000 reports of child abuse and neglect. The national numbers show that 1 in 10 children will be the victim of abuse before their 18th birthday; children under one year represent 15% of all victims and 1 in 40 infants under a year old are victimized by abuse every year. Consistent and early prevention strategies are proven effective in saving lives, protecting resources, and strengthening and preserving Cuyahoga County’s families by ending cycles of abuse and neglect.

Council recognizes that preventing child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility and supports the Canopy Child Advocacy Center in its mission to provide prevention programs, investigations, assessments, prosecutions, and treatment for the children it serves. This Council is committed to protecting the City’s most vulnerable and ensuring that children grow up safe, healthy, educated, and prepared to reach their full potential. The resolution was sponsored first by Council President Blaine A. Griffin and Council members Stephanie Howse-Jones and Mike Polensek, with other members co-sponsoring,  Res. No. 236-2025

Resources Include: Child Abuse Reporting Hotline from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (reports may be made anonymously – 1-855-642-4453 (1-855-O-H-CHILD)

Need Someone to Talk With? Visit childhelphotline.org or call or text 800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD). This anonymous 24/7 hotline is a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space for those concerned about or affected by child abuse. This is NOT a reporting line.

Other resources include the Journey Center for Safety and Healing and the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center provides a variety of services to children and primary caregivers of children.